Vulva vs vagina: an anatomy tour

People often say "vagina" when they mean the whole area. But the bit you can see on the outside is the vulva. The vagina is the internal canal. A study quoted in an NHS hospital leaflet found only 9% of people could correctly name all seven parts of the vulva, so you are in good company if this is new.

The vulva (outside)

• Mons: the soft mound at the front, where pubic hair grows.
• Labia majora: the outer lips, usually with hair.
• Labia minora: the inner lips, without hair.
• Clitoris: at the top where the inner lips meet. The clitoris has lots of nerve endings, and much of it is under the surface. Its two internal "arms" are around 5 to 9 cm long, according to Jean Hailes.
• Urethral opening: where wee comes out.
• Vaginal opening: below the urethra.
• Perineum: the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.

The vagina (inside)

The vagina is a stretchy, muscular canal from the vulva to the cervix. It is where period blood flows out, and where tampons and cups go.

Every vulva is different

Jean Hailes, an Australian women's health charity, says everyone's vulva is unique in shape, size and colour. Labia can be long or short, symmetrical or not, and inner lips often show beyond the outer lips. Media images are often edited and do not reflect real bodies.

Caring for it

• The vagina cleans itself, so do not wash inside it or douche. The vulva only needs gentle washing with warm water.
• The NHS says to use mild, non-perfumed soap if you use any.
• Skip perfumed soaps, gels, deodorants and scented wipes, which can irritate.
• Douching and perfumed products can upset the balance of vaginal bacteria and make BV more likely.